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To George Washington from James Madison, 25 May 1796

From James Madison

Philada May 25. 1796

Mr Madison presents his respectful compliments to the President, and begs to mention the wish of Joseph Nevil Esqr. (late a member of the House of Representatives)1 to be taken into consideration in the appointment of Surveyor, under the law for the sale of lands N. West of the Ohio.2 He takes the liberty also of inclosing a letter from General Posey, expressing his wishes with respect to an appointment, which Mr M. does not think it proper to withold, altho’ the precise object of them, may not correspond with the arrangements of the law.3

AL, DLC:GW.

1Joseph Nevill (Nevil; 1730–1819) represented Hampshire County in the Virginia state legislature for several terms between 1773 and 1781 before serving one term in the U.S. House of Representatives, 1793–95.

2For this law, approved on 18 May 1796, see 1 Stat. description begins Richard Peters, ed. The Public Statutes at Large of the United States of America, from the Organization of the Government in 1789, to March 3, 1845 . . .. 8 vols. Boston, 1845-67. description ends 464–69. In a letter touching several subjects, Nevill had written Madison on 8 Dec. 1795: “I expect Congress will pass a law this Session for the sale of the lands on the Northwest of the River Ohio, and as that of a Surveyor has been my principle Occupation ever since I grew up I would wish to be appointed to one of the Districts” (Madison Papers, description begins William T. Hutchinson et al., eds. The Papers of James Madison, Congressional Series. 17 vols. Chicago and Charlottesville, Va., 1962–91. description ends 16:160–61).

3Madison enclosed Thomas Posey’s letter to him dated 21 Nov. 1795: “I have some reason to Suppose that the ensuing Congress will establish a Land Office on the northwest side of the Ohio; Should such a regulation take place, an Appointment to the Office would suit me extremely, could I meet the Approbation of the President and Senate. I am well convinced that my abilities are fully adequate to the Office, and my exertions should be such, as to endeavor to discha[r]ge the duties of the office with propriety agreeable to the nature of the business. I shall esteem myself singularly obliged, if you will mention me to the President as a candidate for the Appointment. Had I any reason to suppose that I could get the Appointment I would immediately arrange my business in such a manner as to settle on the Northwest side of the Ohio instead of Kentucky” (DLC:GW). For subsequent consideration of Posey, see GW to John Marshall, 15 July.

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